HB 1853 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

HB 1853 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. It updates definitions, licensing procedures, and board powers while adding a specific restriction: it prohibits the use of the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist" for professionals not meeting the defined standards for these licensed roles. The bill directly affects current license holders and applicants in these specific mental health professions within Pennsylvania. Key provisions include clarifying board functions, licensing requirements, out-of-state license endorsement rules, and adding penalties for unauthorized title use.
Sub-Topics: Mental Health
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 9, 2025 Last action Sep 9, 2025
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Total actions
1
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0
Committee
1
Sep 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors

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